Are you looking for good atmosphere, snacks and conquering drinks? Here’s a list of the best cantinas in CDMX; legendary places that continue to offer memorable moments to those who visit them. 🤠
1. Salón París
This is a legendary place. Located in Santa María la Ribera, Salón París is a cantina visited by José Alfredo Jiménez himself, who is paid homage to with a bunch of photographs and newspaper clippings.
The jukebox is in charge of the music. And while beer, rum and all kinds of distillates are on parade, there is no shortage of snacks. Garnachas, broths and side dishes will calm your appetite, while the drinks make you sing at the top of your lungs.
📍 Jaime Torres Bodet 151, Santa María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc
Monday to Saturday from 12:30 to 22:00 and Sunday from 12:30 to 20:00.
2. El León de Oro
Located in Colonia Escandón, El León de Oro is a cantina that has been operating since 1954; diners will find history and tradition in the food, design and ambiance. It is also a meeting point for those looking for a party or a place to live their nostalgia.
And here there is live music to the sound of norteños and mariachis. Keep in mind that this is a family cantina in CDMX. You can check the menu at this link.
📍 José Martí 103, local A, Escandón, Miguel Hidalgo
🕛 Monday to Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
3. Salón España
Near Templo Mayor, in the Historic Center, is one of the oldest cantinas in CDMX. Salón España is a place that has been serving for more than 100 years. The best thing is that in its drinks menu you will find 193 varieties of tequila, wines and liquors.
This is one of the favorite places to have a drink, listen to music or watch a sports game. Note that the snacks change daily and you can check the menu by clicking here.
📍 Luis González Obregón 25, Downtown, Cuauhtémoc
Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 00:00. Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00
4. Moctezuma’s plume
In the heart of Colonia Guerrero is El Penacho de Moctezuma, a legendary restaurant and bar. In addition to a varied selection of spirits, wines and cocktails, the menu offers delicious Mexican dishes where the meat cuts stand out.
We recommend ordering the beef sabanita. There is live music to liven up your visit. You should know that this is a family cantina.
📍 Eje 1 142, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc
🕛 Monday to Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
5. La Jalisciense
A pure Jalisco-style place in Tlalpan’s Centro. This cantina in the south of Mexico City opened its doors in 1870 and, since then, has received great personalities of art, politics and sports.
In this place you will enjoy beers and classic drinks accompanied by exquisite dishes and snacks such as: shrimp broth, paella and cod all year round. Please note that paella is only served on Fridays and Saturdays. Please note that minors are not allowed here.
📍 Plaza de la Constitución 6, Tlalpan Centro I, Tlalpan
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 12:30 to 23:30
6. La Faena
One of the most famous cantinas in the Centro Histórico CDMX is, without a doubt, La Faena. It is a combination of a bar and a bullfighting museum that exhibits paintings, ornaments and costumes of the Mexican fiesta brava.
The 20th century architecture and design will transport you back to nostalgic times where the bartender served “la del estribo” for those seeking to heal heart wounds. On the beverage menu: Spanish brandies, draft beers and commercial labels, tequilas, vodkas and more. Snacks will not be missing from the table.
📍 Venustiano Carranza 49, Centro, Cuauhtémoc
🕛 Monday and Tuesday from 12:00 to 18:00. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00. Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 00:00.
7. The Opera House
On 5 de Mayo Avenue, in the Historic Center, is La Ópera. It is one of the most beloved bars, as it was visited by Porfirio Díaz, his wife Carmelita Romero and the Minister of Finance José Ivés Limantour, as well as other political figures of the 20th century.
Also, art, journalism and literature personalities such as Gabriel García Márquez or Jacobo Zabludosky visited this cantina. One of the main features is the emblematic shot that General Francisco Villa fired into the ceiling. Yes, it is still marked at La Ópera. You can check the menu here.
📍 5 de mayo 10, Centro, Cuauhtémoc
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 23:00. Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00
8. El Gallo de Oro
Founded in 1874, El Gallo de Oro is one of the oldest cantinas in the CDMX. Located in downtown CDMX, it was known for bringing together the bullfighting community.
Today it is a meeting point for those looking for a party, a toast among friends, to watch a soccer match and a big meal. It should be noted that most of the dishes served here are a tribute to Spanish food.
📍 Venustiano Carranza 35, Downtown, Cuauhtémoc
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 13:00 to 20:00. Sunday from 13:00 to 19:00
9. Tenampa Hall
A must stop for those who are in Plaza Garibaldi is Salón Tenampa. For more than 90 years this has been the perfect place to listen to mariachi, drink and cry a few tears.
This place has been featured in Mexican movies such as“El Potrero” by Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”. Among the frequent customers of this place were great celebrities: José Alfredo Jiménez, Chavela Vargas and Lola Beltrán. You can read more about the history and menu here.
📍 Plaza Garibaldi 12, Downtown, Cuauhtémoc
🕛 Sunday to Wednesday from 14:00 to 2:00. Thursday to Saturday from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
10. La Peninsular
La Peninsular ‘s license dates back to 1871 (according to the Mexico City government), which makes it one of the first cantinas in CDMX. Like other bars of the time, only men were allowed to enter.
It was not until 1982 when the government of the then Federal District ordered mixed access. Today this cantina is an ideal place to watch sports games, enjoy Mexican snacks and have a good drink.
📍 Alhóndiga 26, local 4, Centro, Cuauhtémoc
🕛 Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
11. Cantina Tiempo Fuera
This is one of the new cantina proposals in Mexico City. Cantina Tiempo Fuera is a modern spot where you can listen to all kinds of music: cumbias, salsas and even reggaeton. In recent months it has become the perfect place to celebrate birthdays or simply the end of a workday.
The best thing is that you will hear live regional music: mariachi, norteños, banda, among others. We recommend ordering the tuétanos with esquites and the chamorro, a delight! For more details click here.
📍 Insurgentes Sur 1677, Guadalupe Inn, Álvaro Obregón
🕛 Monday and Tuesday from 13:00 to 23:00. Wednesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 1:00. Sunday from 8:00 to 18:00
12. El Gallo de Oro in the south of CDMX
In the south of CDMX there are also cantinas worth visiting. A clear example is El Gallo de Oro, one of the oldest bars that began its service in 1989. Its founders: Edgar Márquez Zamora and Emilia Cardenas Mendez started selling carnitas and barbacoa.
Today, the menu offers Mexican dishes; from mole to beef cuts. Breakfasts are from 10:00 to 12:00. The most requested drinks on the menu are: piedras, micheladas and sangria en bola. You should know that this is a family cantina, they even have a children’s area.
El Gallo de Oro is a perfect option to dance to the rhythm of versatile music (on Fridays), as well as to enjoy entertainment shows.
📍 Violeta 1 A, San Pedro Mártir, Tlalpan
Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00 and Friday from 10:00 to 2:00.
13. La Unica de Guerrero
This cantina, located in Colonia Guerrero, will welcome you with live music and an extensive food menu – the molcajete is recommended for sharing! Wait for the dessert service to arrive at the table so that one of them will win you over.
The beverage menu offers options for all tastes: wine, champagne, gin, sherry, cognac, brandy, tequila, mezcal and much more. The “UDG” is one of the most traditional cantinas in CDMX; since 1933 it has filled those who visit it with fun and good times.
📍Guerrero 258, Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc
🕛Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00. Sunday from 12:00 to 21:00